UWPD contacts 'unsuspecting' people in 'inappropriate' pictures

The University of Wisconsin Police Department captain who was fired amidst an internal investigation allegedly took inappropriate pictures of the public, officials said.

Capt. Peter Ystenes was terminated March 12 for violations of department policies that the department became aware of a few weeks earlier.

Ystenes' use of department equipment was excessive, inappropriate and violated several work rules and department values, according to a release. Investigators said Ystenes had intentionally and repeatedly taken numerous photographs of unsuspecting coworkers and members of the public.

Officials said none of the pictures contain any nudity, but they are still inappropriate.

UW police spokesperson Marc Lovicott said members of the public are being contacted if they appeared in the photos, and the department will work with them if they decide to pursue criminal charges.

Ystenes had been with the department since March 1996, and was part of the UW Threat Assessment Team.

Lovicott declined to comment on the investigation related to misuse of camera and computer equipment until it is complete.

Lovicott said UWPD does not report to their municipal police and fire commission for personnel matters like most other campus police departments. Because of that, the department had the authority to terminate Ystenes upon the discovery of misconduct, and the investigation is moving quickly.

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